Virtual Storage Area Pointer Table for Efficient Data Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for copying logical volumes in computer storage devices require as much storage space as the original volume, leading to inefficient use of storage space since they duplicate all data, and do not effectively manage differences between the original and copy.
Innovation Solution
A virtual storage area with a table of pointers that directs access to sections of other storage areas, allowing for efficient copying and management of data by initially pointing to the original storage area and updating pointers upon writes, using a doubly linked list of free sections and data indicators to optimize storage usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a copy of a logical volume is made by duplicating all data, then the copy can be used for testing without affecting original data, but the storage space required doubles since all data is replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the copy process by dividing the logical volume into individual data sections or blocks. Instead of copying the entire volume at once, only specific sections that have changed are identified and copied individually, allowing for selective replication that reduces overall storage requirements while maintaining the ability to provide complete copies when needed for testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a differential copying mechanism where only changed sections of data are copied from the original logical volume to the test copy. This selective copying approach maintains data integrity for testing purposes while significantly reducing the storage space required compared to full duplication, as unchanged sections are not replicated.
2Productivity
If all data is duplicated in a copy, then the copy is complete and usable for testing, but the copying process is inefficient since minimal differences exist between original and copy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of changed data sections before initiating the copy process. By pre-analyzing which sections differ between the original and target volumes, the system prepares a list of only those sections that need to be copied, eliminating unnecessary copying operations and improving overall copying efficiency while reducing storage space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by copying only the necessary changed sections rather than the entire logical volume. This selective approach performs exactly the amount of copying needed—no more, no less—thereby improving copying efficiency and minimizing storage space consumption by avoiding redundant duplication of unchanged data.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple virtual devices share the same physical storage, then storage space is used efficiently, but access management becomes complex when simultaneous activation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access management for virtual devices by allowing the system to flexibly activate or deactivate virtual devices based on current operational needs. The access management mechanism dynamically adjusts which virtual devices can access shared physical storage, enabling efficient space utilization while maintaining simple control through runtime activation/deactivation rather than complex permanent access restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables virtual devices to self-manage their access to shared physical storage through automated activation and deactivation based on operational requirements. The system automatically handles access control and resource allocation, reducing the complexity of manual access management while maintaining efficient storage space utilization across multiple virtual devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Establishing a plurality of storage areas includes associating each of a first plurality of storage areas of a first type that contain sections of data with corresponding ones of second plurality of storage areas of a second type having pointers to alternative sections of data storage areas of the first type, where initially none of the second plurality of storage areas is available for accessing data corresponding thereto, and, after associating all of the first and second plurality of storage areas, activating the second plurality of storage areas to make the second plurality of storage areas available for accessing data. Exclusive access may be enabled for all of the first plurality of storage areas prior to activating the second plurality of storage areas or to each storage area one at a time.